One of the things I keep hearing a lot is if you are in need of help, ask. If you’re not in the right headspace, reach out. One of the hardest things for an individual whose mental state isn’t where it should is to reach out for help. There is so much stigma surrounding mental illness that it takes more courage than you realize to even utter a word about where you are. You’re acutely aware of where you are mentally, the environment around you and the individuals that comprise your inner circle (or lack thereof).
While the message is a good one, it needs to be overhauled. The pressure can be too much and you’re assuming that those being told are actually willing to step up to help out. While the majority may be, not everyone is lucky enough to be in a position to ‘spill the beans’.
I have anxiety. I have depression. They strike at the most random times. Reaching out is the hardest thing to do. Why? I left a very toxic situation. While I can count on one hand the amount of people were willing to help in a moments notice, reaching outwas made to feel like it wasn’t an option. There were individuals who were toxic that had weaved their way into the outer limits of our inner circle. Through their actions and expert use of imagery, I was made to feel like my voice wasn’t important and it would be overruled and ignored if I attempted to speak up. When you’re made to feel small and insignficant, speaking up may have been an option but you’re made to believe that no one is going to believe you.
Instead of asking individuals to reach out, maybe it’s time for you to reach in instead. You just very well may be pulling someone out of a very dark place and helping them head down the path their meant to be on to heal and grow.
Island of Misfit Mamas 